 |
| A perfectly fine bag, no? |
I already use zip lock bags to keep various sewing notions organized and in view. Then there are also bags like the one that you see here (it was what our new BBQ cover came in) that are just waiting to be repurposed... as is.
It wasn't very big, but as you can see, it would still be handy for storing fabrics and such without doing anything to it.
But when I decided on this second pandemic challenge project, I needed some vinyl, so at least — in this case — this bag was well used in terms of being recycled/repurposed.
This is my version of a "work in progress" project pouch.
 |
| A (fancier) work in progress or activity pouch... |
Most of the lower part of the bag and the handle was repurposed for this.
As previously described, this pouch was based on a Fat Quarter Shop video tutorial offered through Sew4Home. Theirs finished out at 16" x 18"; mine measures 14" wide x 14.5" high.
 |
| Back view... |
Apart from scaling down the overall size (I didn't want something so "jumbo"), I made some other changes to accommodate my needs/wants.
The vinyl handle was very easily incorporated into the binding at the top of the pouch; it was almost as it it was meant to be reused that way.
 |
| Closeup of the vinyl handle that I reused... |
I also used some more of the vinyl to add a second layer of it on the inside, creating a pocket to hold paper, whether it be pattern pieces or notes.
 |
| My pouch has a separate compartment in the front for paper... |
The vinyl harvested from the source bag is probably not as thick as what was used for the FQS version, but it serves the purpose and didn't cost me anything. You likely have similar bags from bedding purchases — sheet sets, duvets, etc. — that will yield perfectly acceptable vinyl for this sort of project too.
Other things that I did differently? I did not use Soft and Stable for the back panel. (Lordy, but that stuff is expensive and I cannot fathom using it for a project as utilitarian as this!) A single layer of fusible fleece — fused to one half of a single long piece of fabric that I then folded before quilting — worked fine for me.
 |
| My WIP is a second pair of slippers for hubby... |
None of the other pieces on the FQS version were interfaced, but I fused Decor Bond onto the fabric strips that were used for the front, as I wanted it to be sturdy given that I didn't have the firm backing of the Soft and Stable.
 |
| How much handier can it be to be able to hang it up? |
That being said, I made the whole front panel differently in that mine is fully finished on the inside (i.e., FQS version is unlined).
 |
| View of the completely finished interior... |
The advantage to the method that I used is that I didn't have to worry about the challenges of sewing on vinyl as it was always in between my fabric.
That said, sandwiching the top edge of the vinyl between two sections of fabric that were already attached to the zipper could have been tricky. Careful pressing of the seam beforehand ensured a relatively smooth installation.
Is it weird that I cared about having a cleanly finished interior? I don't think that it's all that important in the grand scheme of this project, but on the other hand, committing to the expense of Soft and Stable and then not finishing the interior is also odd. (To be fair, it was probably designed for simplicity, as the project is meant for enthusiastic beginners.)
 |
| I had to share this closeup of my awesome stitching...LOL! |
My zipper was also done differently. (First of all, I used zipper tape and slid one of my zippiest zipper pulls on it before cutting it to 13".) I added fabric tabs to the ends to make it 14" wide.
 |
| Zipper enclosed by fabric tabs at the ends... (view before binding) |
I didn't want the zipper to extend right to the edge as the FQS one does because, well, binding is narrow and over time, having it be the only "stopper" for the zipper might cause excessive wear and tear.
If you don't want to use this as a work in progress bag, it can also double as a children's activity pouch.
 |
| Bag for colouring book and pens... |
The fabrics were from my last Bluprint purchase, Lily and Loom selections from their Square One Red Sky collection.
If you're interested in making a pouch in this reduced size, here's a shot of the notes I made when I worked out the dimensions. (Meant to be sewn with a 1/4" seam allowance.)
 |
| My project notes... |
Sorry for those of you who are totally "metric-ized"; I still work in inches. ;-)
'Til next...
I have made a couple of small pouches with clear vinyl (from Bernina Site) that were curved at the bottom. They weren't hard to sew. I think I had also used a vinyl from a bed sheet case. I do use the zippers from those packages. I like that you used the handle, that was a useful and clever addition to the pouch. I have seen several similar pouches that some have added handles and some not, but a handle is always nicer. I think you project bag came out very nice indeed and like your changes. I totally agree on not use the S&S! Fleece is much cheaper and unless a bag needs to stand up, I opt for fleece. Well done!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I will probably never make a bag such as this but so enjoy the thinking behind your work to make it your own. And yes, those are lovely stitches, worth admiration.
ReplyDeleteNon-metric works for me! Nicely done, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome. (And for those who would prefer metric, an online converter works just dandy for things like this.)
DeleteI had to learn to use the metric system in my early twenties so I could teach kids, but I still think in imperial. And now that I no longer teach, and most sewing online is non-metric, I really have to think to talk in centimetres, etc. I use an online converter for my tutorials. A cute little pouch - so versatile with the vinyl front. Impressive, flawless stitching.
ReplyDelete